You may have heard that Medicare premiums were due for a drastic increase in 2016. However, thanks to the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 that was signed into effect on November 2, 2015, those costs are not going to be as high as originally thought for Medicare Part A and Part B participants.

When people imagine long term care they often envision the elderly being cared for in nursing homes. However, research indicates that more often than not the reality of long term care does not actually reflect this image. In fact, there are several trends that are currently changing the face of long term care in America.

Do you have a plan for your long-term care when you become a senior? When the time comes and it finally becomes harder for you to perform daily activities on your own, it is important to know what you want to do. Will you move in with children or other relatives? Hire a caregiver to come to your home? Move to an assisted living facility? Go it alone for as long as possible? Whatever your decision it is important to understand the full physical, financial, and emotional impact on yourself and your loved ones.

Have you been a caregiver for a loved one who did not have insurance to pay for long term care and they relied solely on you for help? Did it impact your health, your lifestyle, or income? Would you have preferred that you could supervise the care instead?
Throughout their working years most people look forward to a long life, dream of what they want to do when they retire, and save with hopes that it will be a worry-free time for finances. However, while budgeting for retirement many people forget to account for one of the most important aspects of this special time in their lives: their long term care.

The carriers have re-priced their products, and offer a variety of options.

Many of our clients 60 years and under select 3% compound because this will be adequate to keep up with inflation of home care and assisted living based on recent years. Their other resources can supplement nursing home costs. Also, 3% is the "sweet-spot in pricing.

Commissioner Goldsmith clarified MD Law today. Insureds should evaluate their options carefully. Premium is not the only factor. The deductibles, co-pays, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximums and covered services should be considered with what services you expect to use in 2014.